MOSCOW, Idaho -- The Vandal volleyball team fell in a five-set battle to Eastern Washington (18-25, 25-23, 20-25, 30-28, 11-15) in Memorial Gym on Thursday night, despite a career-high 25 kills from Delaney Nicoll and a career-best 52 assists from Peyten Ely.
Nicoll's career night included a .217 hitting percentage and 19 digs on the defensive end. Ely was exceptional all around, tallying two service aces, three block assists, and helping earn the Vandals a season-best 61 kills.
A 3-0 run started the match with the Vandals having the upper hand before the Eagles answered to tie it back up with a run of their own. EWU made a crucial 8-0 run in the middle of set one that would give the Eagles some breathing room and ultimately take the opening set, 25-18.
The Vandals would swing the momentum in set two by taking advantage on the attack with 14 kills to EWU's eight. A 4-0 in the middle of the set would make it 14-10 with the Eagles answering to tie it up at 15-15. Allison Munday would notch three kills for the Vandals in closing, to help earn the win, 25-22.
Eastern Washington hit an efficient .375 and had timely runs throughout the third frame to go up 2-1.Â
Another opportunity was answered by the Vandals in the fourth set with well-timed runs to help change the course of the set.
The Eagles would lead 10-8 before the Vandals started a 6-0 run to make the score 14-10. Multiple runs from both sides would have the match head into extras with both teams trying to find a way to go up two points. Nikki Ball stepped up when it matter the most, issuing a kill and assisting with a block to help secure the set victory, 30-28.
Idaho fought to keep the final set within reach, but the Eagles would ultimately win the match, 15-11.
The Vandals drop to 3-14 (0-8 BSC) on the season while Eastern Washington goes to 7-8 (3-4 BSC).
Up Next -Â The Vandals will travel to Ogden, Utah to face Weber State on Thursday, Oct. 21 at 5 p.m. before rounding out the week in Pocatello, Idaho against in-state rival Idaho State on Saturday, Oct. 23 at 12 p.m.
